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Chapter 7: Critical and Creative Thinking
Learning Framework: Effective Strategies for College Success
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Define critical thinking
- Describe the role that logic plays in critical thinking
- Describe how critical thinking skills can be used to evaluate information
- Apply the CRAAP test to evaluate sources of information
- Identify strategies for developing yourself as a critical thinker
- Identify applications in education and one's career where creative thinking is relevant and beneficial
- Explore key elements and stages in the creative process
- Apply specific skills for stimulating creative perspectives and innovative options
- Integrate critical and creative thinking in the process of problem-solving
Critical and Creative Thinking
Critical Thinking
As a college student, you are tasked with engaging and expanding your thinking skills. One of the most important of these skills is critical thinking because it relates to nearly all tasks, situations, topics, careers, environments, challenges, and opportunities. It is a “domain-general” thinking skill, not one that is specific to a particular subject area.
What Is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking is clear, reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do (Robert Ennis.) It means asking probing questions like “How do we know?” or “Is this true in every case or just in this instance?” It involves being skeptical and challenging assumptions rather than simply memorizing facts or blindly accepting what you hear or read.
Imagine, for example, that you’re reading a history textbook. You wonder who wrote it and why, because you detect certain biases in the writing. You find that the author has a limited scope of research focused only on a particular group within a population. In this case, your critical thinking reveals that there are “other sides to the story.”
Who are critical thinkers, and what characteristics do they have in common? Critical thinkers are usually curious and reflective people. They like to explore and probe new areas and seek knowledge, clarification, and new solutions. They ask pertinent questions, evaluate statements and arguments, and they distinguish between facts and opinion. They are also willing to examine their own beliefs, possessing a manner of humility that allows them to admit lack of knowledge or understanding when needed. They are open to changing their mind. Perhaps most of all, they actively enjoy learning, and seeking new knowledge is a lifelong pursuit. This may well be you!
No matter where you are on the road to being a critical thinker, you can always more fully develop and finely tune your skills. Doing so will help you develop more balanced arguments, express yourself clearly, read critically, and glean important information efficiently. Critical thinking skills will help you in any profession or any circumstance of life, from science to art to business to teaching. With critical thinking, you become a clearer thinker and problem solver.
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Questioning | Passively accepting |
Skepticism | Memorizing |
Challenging reasoning | Group thinking |
Examining assumptions | Blind acceptance of authority |
Uncovering biases | Following conventional thinking |
The following video, from Lawrence Bland, presents the major concepts and benefits of critical thinking.
Critical Thinking and Logic
Critical thinking is fundamentally a process of questioning information and data and then reflecting on and assessing what you discover to arrive at a reasonable conclusion. You may question the information you read in a textbook, or you may question what a politician or a professor or a classmate says.
You can also question a commonly held belief or a new idea. It is equally important (and even more challenging) to question your own thinking and beliefs! With critical thinking, anything and everything is subject to question and examination for the purpose of logically constructing reasoned perspectives.
What Is Logic?
The word logic comes from the Ancient Greek logike , referring to the science or art of reasoning. Using logic, a person evaluates arguments and reasoning and strives to distinguish between good and bad reasoning, or between truth and falsehood. Using logic, you can evaluate the ideas and claims of others, make good decisions, and form sound beliefs about the world.
Questions of Logic in Critical Thinking
Let’s use a simple example of applying logic to a critical-thinking situation. In this hypothetical scenario, a man has a Ph.D. in political science, and he works as a professor at a local college. His wife works at the college, too. They have three young children in the local school system, and their family is well known in the community. The man is now running for political office. Are his credentials and experience sufficient for entering public office? Will he be effective in the political office? Some voters might believe that his personal life and current job, on the surface, suggest he will do well in the position, and they will vote for him. In truth, the characteristics described don’t guarantee that the man will do a good job. The information is somewhat irrelevant. What else might you want to know? How about whether the man had already held a political office and done a good job? In this case, we want to think critically about how much information is adequate in order to make a decision based on logic instead of assumptions.
The following questions, presented in Figure 1, below, are ones you may apply to formulate a logical, reasoned perspective in the above scenario or any other situation:
- What’s happening? Gather the basic information and begin to think of questions.
- Why is it important? Ask yourself why it’s significant and whether or not you agree.
- What don’t I see? Is there anything important missing?
- How do I know? Ask yourself where the information came from and how it was constructed.
- Who is saying it? What’s the position of the speaker and what is influencing them?
- What else? What if? What other ideas exist and are there other possibilities?
Problem-Solving with Critical Thinking
For most people, a typical day is filled with critical thinking and problem-solving challenges. In fact, critical thinking and problem-solving go hand-in-hand. They both refer to using knowledge, facts, and data to solve problems effectively. But with problem-solving, you are specifically identifying, selecting, and defending your solution. Below are some examples of using critical thinking to problem-solve:
- Your roommate was upset and said some unkind words to you, which put a crimp in the relationship. You try to see through the angry behaviors to determine how you might best support the roommate and help bring the relationship back to a comfortable spot.
- Your campus club has been languishing due to a lack of participation and funds. The new club president, though, is a marketing major and has identified some strategies to interest students in joining and supporting the club. Implementation is forthcoming.
- Your final art class project challenges you to conceptualize form in new ways. On the last day of class when students present their projects, you describe the techniques you used to fulfill the assignment. You explain why and how you selected that approach.
- Your math teacher sees that the class is not quite grasping a concept. They use clever questioning to dispel anxiety and guide you to a new understanding of the concept.
You have a job interview for a position that you feel you are only partially qualified for, although you really want the job and are excited about the prospects. You analyze how you will explain your skills and experiences in a way to show that you are a good match for the prospective employer.
- You are doing well in college, and most of your college and living expenses are covered. But there are some gaps between what you want and what you feel you can afford. You analyze your income, savings, and budget to better calculate what you will need to stay in college and maintain your desired level of spending.
Evaluating Information with Critical Thinking
Evaluating information can be one of the most complex tasks you will be faced with in college. But if you utilize the following four strategies, you will be well on your way to success:
- Read for understanding
- Examine arguments
- Clarify thinking
- Cultivate “habits of mind”
Read for Understanding
When you read, take notes or mark the text to track your thinking about what you are reading. As you make connections and ask questions in response to what you read, you monitor your comprehension and enhance your long-term understanding of the material. You will want to mark important arguments and key facts. Indicate where you agree and disagree or have further questions. You don’t necessarily need to read every word, but make sure you understand the concepts or the intentions behind what is written. See the chapter on Active Reading Strategies for additional tips.
Examine Arguments
When you examine arguments or claims that an author, speaker, or other source is making, your goal is to identify and examine the hard facts. You can use the spectrum of authority strategy for this purpose. The spectrum of authority strategy assists you in identifying the “hot” end of an argument—feelings, beliefs, cultural influences, and societal influences—and the “cold” end of an argument—scientific influences. The most compelling arguments balance elements from both ends of the spectrum. The following video explains this strategy in further detail:
Clarify Thinking
When you use critical thinking to evaluate information, you need to clarify your thinking to yourself and likely to others. Doing this well is mainly a process of asking and answering probing questions, such as the logic questions discussed earlier. Design your questions to fit your needs, but be sure to cover adequate ground. What is the purpose? What question are we trying to answer? What point of view is being expressed? What assumptions are we or others making? What are the facts and data we know, and how do we know them? What are the concepts we’re working with? What are the conclusions, and do they make sense? What are the implications?
Cultivate “Habits of Mind”
“Habits of mind” are the personal commitments, values, and standards you have about the principle of good thinking. Consider your intellectual commitments, values, and standards. Do you approach problems with an open mind, a respect for truth, and an inquiring attitude? Some good habits to have when thinking critically are being receptive to having your opinions changed, having respect for others, being independent and not accepting something is true until you’ve had the time to examine the available evidence, being fair-minded, having respect for a reason, having an inquiring mind, not making assumptions, and always, especially, questioning your own conclusions—in other words, developing an intellectual work ethic. Try to work these qualities into your daily life.
In 2010, a textbook being used in fourth-grade classrooms in Virginia became big news for all the wrong reasons. The book, Our Virginia by Joy Masoff, had caught the attention of a parent who was helping her child do her homework, according to an article in The Washington Post . Carol Sheriff was a historian for the College of William and Mary and as she worked with her daughter, she began to notice some glaring historical errors, not the least of which was a passage that described how thousands of African Americans fought for the South during the Civil War.
Further investigation into the book revealed that, although the author had written textbooks on a variety of subjects, she was not a trained historian. The research she had done to write Our Virginia, and in particular the information she included about Black Confederate soldiers, was done through the Internet and included sources created by groups like the Sons of Confederate Veterans, an organization that promotes views of history that de-emphasize the role of slavery in the Civil War.
How did a book with errors like these come to be used as part of the curriculum and who was at fault? Was it Masoff for using untrustworthy sources for her research? Was it the editors who allowed the book to be published with these errors intact? Was it the school board for approving the book without more closely reviewing its accuracy?
There are a number of issues at play in the case of Our Virginia , but there’s no question that evaluating sources is an important part of the research process and doesn’t just apply to Internet sources. Using inaccurate, irrelevant, or poorly researched sources can affect the quality of your own work. Being able to understand and apply the concepts that follow is crucial to becoming a more savvy user and creator of information.
When you begin evaluating sources, what should you consider? The CRAAP test is a series of common evaluative elements you can use to evaluate the C urrency, R elevance, A uthority, A ccuracy, and P urpose of your sources. The CRAAP test was developed by librarians at California State University at Chico and it gives you a good, overall set of elements to look for when evaluating a resource. Let’s consider what each of these evaluative elements means.
One of the most important and interesting steps to take as you begin researching a subject is selecting the resources that will help you build your thesis and support your assertions. Certain topics require you to pay special attention to how current your resource is—because they are time sensitive, because they have evolved so much over the years, or because new research comes out on the topic so frequently. When evaluating the currency of an article, consider the following:
- When was the item written, and how frequently does the publication come out?
- Is there evidence of newly added or updated information in the item?
- If the information is dated, is it still suitable for your topic?
- How frequently does information change about your topic?
Understanding what resources are most applicable to your subject and why they are applicable can help you focus and refine your thesis. Many topics are broad and searching for information on them produces a wide range of resources. Narrowing your topic and focusing on resources specific to your needs can help reduce the piles of information and help you focus in on what is truly important to read and reference. When determining relevance consider the following:
- Does the item contain information relevant to your argument or thesis?
- Read the article’s introduction, thesis, and conclusion.
- Scan main headings and identify article keywords.
- For book resources, start with the index or table of contents—how wide a scope does the item have? Will you use part or all of this resource?
- Does the information presented support or refute your ideas?
- If the information refutes your ideas, how will this change your argument?
- Does the material provide you with current information?
- What is the material’s intended audience?
Understanding more about your information’s source helps you determine when, how, and where to use that information. Is your author an expert on the subject? Do they have some personal stake in the argument they are making? What is the author or information producer’s background? When determining the authority of your source, consider the following:
- What are the author’s credentials?
- What is the author’s level of education, experience, and/or occupation?
- What qualifies the author to write about this topic?
- What affiliations does the author have? Could these affiliations affect their position?
- What organization or body published the information? Is it authoritative? Does it have an explicit position or bias?
Determining where information comes from, if the evidence supports the information, and if the information has been reviewed or refereed can help you decide how and whether to use a source. When determining the accuracy of a source, consider the following:
- Is the source well-documented? Does it include footnotes, citations, or a bibliography?
- Is information in the source presented as fact, opinion, or propaganda? Are biases clear?
- Can you verify information from the references cited in the source?
- Is the information written clearly and free of typographical and grammatical mistakes? Does the source look to be edited before publication? A clean, well-presented paper does not always indicate accuracy, but usually at least means more eyes have been on the information.
Knowing why the information was created is a key to evaluation. Understanding the reason or purpose of the information, if the information has clear intentions, or if the information is fact, opinion, or propaganda will help you decide how and why to use information:
- Is the author’s purpose to inform, sell, persuade, or entertain?
- Does the source have an obvious bias or prejudice?
- Is the article presented from multiple points of view?
- Does the author omit important facts or data that might disprove their argument?
- Is the author’s language informal, joking, emotional, or impassioned?
- Is the information clearly supported by evidence?
When you feel overwhelmed by the information you are finding, the CRAAP test can help you determine which information is the most useful to your research topic. How you respond to what you find out using the CRAAP test will depend on your topic. Maybe you want to use two overtly biased resources to inform an overview of typical arguments in a particular field. Perhaps your topic is historical and currency means the past hundred years rather than the past one or two years. Use the CRAAP test, be knowledgeable about your topic, and you will be on your way to evaluating information efficiently and well!
Next, visit the ACC Library’s Website for a tutorial and quiz on using the CRAAP test to evaluate sources.
Developing Yourself As a Critical Thinker
Critical thinking is a fundamental skill for college students, but it should also be a lifelong pursuit. Below are additional strategies to develop yourself as a critical thinker in college and in everyday life:
- Reflect and practice : Always reflect on what you’ve learned. Is it true all the time? How did you arrive at your conclusions?
- Use wasted time : It’s certainly important to make time for relaxing, but if you find you are indulging in too much of a good thing, think about using your time more constructively. Determine when you do your best thinking and try to learn something new during that part of the day.
- Redefine the way you see things : It can be very uninteresting to always think the same way. Challenge yourself to see familiar things in new ways. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and consider things from a different angle or perspective. If you’re trying to solve a problem, list all your concerns: what you need in order to solve it, who can help, what some possible barriers might be, etc. It’s often possible to reframe a problem as an opportunity. Try to find a solution where there seems to be none.
- Analyze the influences on your thinking and in your life : Why do you think or feel the way you do? Analyze your influences. Think about who in your life influences you. Do you feel or react a certain way because of social convention, or because you believe it is what is expected of you? Try to break out of any molds that may be constricting you.
- Express yourself : Critical thinking also involves being able to express yourself clearly. Most important in expressing yourself clearly is stating one point at a time. You might be inclined to argue every thought, but you might have greater impact if you focus just on your main arguments. This will help others to follow your thinking clearly. For more abstract ideas, assume that your audience may not understand. Provide examples, analogies, or metaphors where you can.
- Enhance your wellness : It’s easier to think critically when you take care of your mental and physical health. Try taking activity breaks throughout the day to reach 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Scheduling physical activity into your day can help lower stress and increase mental alertness. Also, do your most difficult work when you have the most energy . Think about the time of day you are most effective and have the most energy. Plan to do your most difficult work during these times. And be sure to reach out for help i f you feel you need assistance with your mental or physical health (see Maintaining Your Mental (and Physical) Health for more information).
Complete ACTIVITY 1: REFLECT ON CRITICAL THINKING at the end of the chapter to deepen your understanding of critical thinking in action.
Creative thinking.
Creative thinking is an invaluable skill for college students because it helps you look at problems and situations from a fresh perspective. Creative thinking is a way to develop novel or unorthodox solutions that do not depend wholly on past or current solutions. It’s a way of employing strategies to clear your mind so that your thoughts and ideas can transcend what appears to be the limitations of a problem. Creative thinking is a way of moving beyond barriers and it can be understood as a skill —as opposed to an inborn talent or natural “gift”—that can be taught as well as learned.
However, the ability to think and act in creative ways is a natural ability that we all exhibited as children. The curiosity, wonder, imagination, playfulness, and persistence in obtaining new skills are what transformed us into the powerful learners that we became well before we entered school. As a creative thinker now, you are curious, optimistic, and imaginative. You see problems as interesting opportunities, and you challenge assumptions and suspend judgment. You don’t give up easily. You work hard. Is this you? Even if you don’t yet see yourself as a competent creative thinker or problem-solver yet, you can learn solid skills and techniques to help you become one.
Creative Thinking in Education
College is a great ground for enhancing creative thinking skills. The following are some examples of college activities that can stimulate creative thinking. Are any familiar to you? What are some aspects of your own college experience that require you to think creatively?
- Design sample exam questions to test your knowledge as you study for a final.
- Devise a social media strategy for a club on campus.
- Propose an education plan for a major you are designing for yourself.
- Prepare a speech that you will give in a debate in your course.
- Arrange audience seats in your classroom to maximize attention during your presentation.
- Participate in a brainstorming session with your classmates on how you will collaborate on a group project.
- Draft a script for a video production that will be shown to several college administrators.
- Compose a set of requests and recommendations for a campus office to improve its services for students.
- Develop a marketing pitch for a mock business you are developing.
- Develop a plan to reduce energy consumption in your home, apartment, or dorm.
How to Stimulate Creative Thinking
The following video, How to Stimulate the Creative Process , identifies six strategies to stimulate your creative thinking.
- Sleep on it . Over the years, researchers have found that the REM sleep cycle boosts our creativity and problem-solving abilities, providing us with innovative ideas or answers to vexing dilemmas when we awaken. Keep a pen and paper by the bed so you can write down your nocturnal insights if they wake you up.
- Go for a run or hit the gym . Studies indicate that exercise stimulates creative thinking, and the brainpower boost lasts for a few hours.
- Allow your mind to wander a few times every day. Far from being a waste of time, daydreaming has been found to be an essential part of generating new ideas. If you’re stuck on a problem or creatively blocked, think about something else for a while.
- Keep learning . Studying something far removed from your area of expertise is especially effective in helping you think in new ways.
- Put yourself in nerve-racking situations once in a while to fire up your brain. Fear and frustration can trigger innovative thinking.
- Keep a notebook with you, or create a file for ideas on your smartphone or laptop, so you always have a place to record fleeting thoughts. They’re sometimes the best ideas of all.
The following video, Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson, reinforces the idea that time allows creativity to flourish.
Watch this supplemental video by PBS Digital Studies: How To Be Creative | Off Book | PBS Digital Studio for a more in-depth look on how to become a “powerful creative person.”
Below is an article by Professor Tobin Quereau, called In Search of Creativity . Perhaps the article can help you think about some simple principles that can enhance your own creative thinking.
In Search of Creativity Tobin Quereau As I was searching through my files the other day for materials on creativity, I ran across some crumpled, yellowed notes which had no clear identification as to their source. Though I cannot remember exactly where they came from, I pass them along to you as an example of the absurd lengths to which some authors will go to get people’s attention. The notes contained five principles or practices with accompanying commentary which supposedly enhance creativity. I reprint them here as I found them and leave you to make your own judgment on the matter.... 1. Do It Poorly! One has to start somewhere and hardly anyone I know starts perfectly at anything. As a result, hardly anyone seems to start very much at all. Often times the quest for excellence quashes any attempt at writing, thinking, doing, saying, etc., since we all start rather poorly in the beginning. Therefore, I advocate more mediocrity as a means to success. Whatever you want, need, or have to do, start doing it! (Apologies to Nike, but this was written long before they stole the concept....) Do it poorly at first with pleasure, take a look or listen to what you’ve done, and then do it again. If you can turn out four good, honest, poor quality examples, the fifth time you should have enough information and experience to turn out something others will admire. And if you do the first four tries in private, only you need to know how you got there. 2. Waste Time! Don’t spend it all doing things. Give yourself time and permission to daydream, mull over, muse about your task or goal without leaping into unending action. “But what,” you say, “if I find myself musing more about the grocery shopping than the gross receipts?” Fine, just see what relationships you can come up with between groceries and gross receipts. (How about increasing the volume and lowering mark-ups? Or providing comfortable seating in the local superstore so that people can relax while shopping and thus have more energy with which to spend their money??) Whatever you do, just pay attention to what comes and get it down in writing somewhere somehow before it goes again. No need to waste ideas.... 3. Be Messy! (Not hard for some of us.) Don’t go for clarity before confusion has had time to teach you something new. In fact, I advocate starting with a large sheet of blank paper–anything up to 2 feet by 4 feet in size–and then filling it up as quickly and randomly as possible with everything that is, might be, or ought to be related to the task at hand. Then start drawing arrows, underlining, scratching through, highlighting, etc., to make a real mess that no one but you can decipher. (If you can’t figure it out either, that’s O.K., too–it doesn’t have to make sense in the beginning.) Then go back to Principle #1 and start doing something. 4. Make Mistakes! Search out your stumbling blocks. Celebrate your errors. Rejoice in your “wrongs” for in them lie riches. Consider your faux pas as feedback not failure and you’ll learn (and possibly even earn!) a lot more. Be like a research scientist and get something publishable out of whatever the data indicates. As one creative consultant, Sidney X. Shore, suggests, always ask, “What’s Good About It?” Some of our most precious inventions have resulted from clumsy hands and creative insight. 5. Forget Everything You Have Learned! (Except, perhaps, these principles!) Give yourself a chance to be a neophyte, return to innocence, start with “beginner’s mind”. In the Zen tradition of Japan, there is a saying in support of this approach because in the beginner’s mind all things are possible, in the expert’s mind only one or two. What would a five-year-old do with your task, goal, project, or problem? Take a risk and be naive again. Many major advances in math and science have come from young, wet-behind-the-ears upstarts who don’t know enough to get stuck like everyone else. Even Picasso worked hard at forgetting how to draw.... But I must stop! There was more to this unusual manuscript, but it would be a poor idea to prolong this further. As a responsible author, I don’t want to waste any more of your time on such ramblings. You know as well as I that such ideas would quickly make a mess of things. I am sure that the original author, whoever that was, has by now repudiated these mistaken notions which could be quite dangerous in the hands of untrained beginners. I even recall a reference to these principles being advocated for groups and teams as well as for individual practice—if you can imagine such a thing! It is a pity that the author or authors did not have more to offer, however, “In Search of Creativity” could have made a catchy title for a book....
Problem Solving with Creative Thinking
Creative problem-solving is a type of problem-solving that involves searching for new and novel solutions to problems. It’s a way to think “outside of the box.” Unlike critical thinking, which scrutinizes assumptions and uses reasoning, creative thinking is about generating alternative ideas— practices and solutions that are unique and effective. It’s about facing sometimes muddy and unclear problems and seeing how things can be done differently.
Complete ACTIVITY 2: ASSESS YOUR CREATIVE-PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS at the end of the chapter to see what skills you currently have and which new ones you can develop further.
As you continue to develop your creative thinking skills, be alert to perceptions about creative thinking that could slow down progress. Remember that creative thinking and problem-solving are ways to transcend the limitations of a problem and see past barriers.
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Every problem has only one solution (or one right answer)
The goal of problem-solving is to solve the problem, and most problems can be solved in any number of ways. If you discover a solution that works, it’s a good solution. Other people may think up solutions that differ from yours, but that doesn’t make your solution wrong or unimportant. What is the solution to “putting words on paper?” Fountain pen, ballpoint, pencil, marker, typewriter, printer, printing press, word-processing… all are valid solutions!
2
The best answer, solution, or method has already been discovered
Look at the history of any solution and you’ll see that improvements, new solutions, and new right answers are always being found. What is the solution to human transportation? The ox or horse, the cart, the wagon, the train, the car, the airplane, the jet, the space shuttle? What is the best and last?
3
Creative answers are technologically complex
Only a few problems require complex technological solutions. Most problems you’ll encounter need only a thoughtful solution involving personal action and perhaps a few simple tools. Even many problems that seem to require technology can be addressed in other ways.
4
Ideas either come or they don’t. Nothing will help— certainly not structure.
There are many successful techniques for generating ideas. One important technique is to include structure. Create guidelines, limiting parameters, and concrete goals for yourself that stimulate and shape your creativity. This strategy can help you get past the intimidation of “the blank page.” For example, if you want to write a story about a person who gained insight through experience, you can stoke your creativity by limiting or narrowing your theme to “a young girl in Cambodia who escaped the Khmer Rouge to find a new life as a nurse in France.” Apply this specificity and structure to any creative endeavor.
Critical and creative thinking complement each other when it comes to problem-solving. The process of alternatively focusing and expanding your thinking can generate more creative, innovative, and effective outcomes. The following words, by Dr. Andrew Robert Baker, are excerpted from his “Thinking Critically and Creatively ” essay. Dr. Baker illuminates some of the many ways that college students will be exposed to critical and creative thinking and how it can enrich their learning experiences.
THINKING CRITICALLY AND CREATIVELY Critical thinking skills are perhaps the most fundamental skills involved in making judgments and solving problems. You use them every day, and you can continue improving them. The ability to think critically about a matter—to analyze a question, situation, or problem down to its most basic parts—is what helps us evaluate the accuracy and truthfulness of statements, claims, and information we read and hear. It is the sharp knife that, when honed, separates fact from fiction, honesty from lies, and the accurate from the misleading. We all use this skill to one degree or another almost every day. For example, we use critical thinking every day as we consider the latest consumer products and why one particular product is the best among its peers. Is it a quality product because a celebrity endorses it? Because a lot of other people may have used it? Because it is made by one company versus another? Or perhaps because it is made in one country or another? These are questions representative of critical thinking. The academic setting demands more of us in terms of critical thinking than everyday life. It demands that we evaluate information and analyze myriad issues. It is the environment where our critical thinking skills can be the difference between success and failure. In this environment we must consider information in an analytical, critical manner. We must ask questions—What is the source of this information? Is this source an expert one and what makes it so? Are there multiple perspectives to consider on an issue? Do multiple sources agree or disagree on an issue? Does quality research substantiate information or opinion? Do I have any personal biases that may affect my consideration of this information? It is only through purposeful, frequent, intentional questioning such as this that we can sharpen our critical thinking skills and improve as students, learners and researchers. While critical thinking analyzes information and roots out the true nature and facets of problems, it is creative thinking that drives progress forward when it comes to solving these problems. Exceptional creative thinkers are people that invent new solutions to existing problems that do not rely on past or current solutions. They are the ones who invent solution C when everyone else is still arguing between A and B. Creative thinking skills involve using strategies to clear the mind so that our thoughts and ideas can transcend the current limitations of a problem and allow us to see beyond barriers that prevent new solutions from being found. Brainstorming is the simplest example of intentional creative thinking that most people have tried at least once. With the quick generation of many ideas at once, we can block-out our brain’s natural tendency to limit our solution-generating abilities so we can access and combine many possible solutions/thoughts and invent new ones. It is sort of like sprinting through a race’s finish line only to find there is new track on the other side and we can keep going, if we choose. As with critical thinking, higher education both demands creative thinking from us and is the perfect place to practice and develop the skill. Everything from word problems in a math class, to opinion or persuasive speeches and papers, call upon our creative thinking skills to generate new solutions and perspectives in response to our professor’s demands. Creative thinking skills ask questions such as—What if? Why not? What else is out there? Can I combine perspectives/solutions? What is something no one else has brought-up? What is being forgotten/ignored? What about ______? It is the opening of doors and options that follows problem-identification. Consider an assignment that required you to compare two different authors on the topic of education and select and defend one as better. Now add to this scenario that your professor clearly prefers one author over the other. While critical thinking can get you as far as identifying the similarities and differences between these authors and evaluating their merits, it is creative thinking that you must use if you wish to challenge your professor’s opinion and invent new perspectives on the authors that have not previously been considered. So, what can we do to develop our critical and creative thinking skills? Although many students may dislike it, group work is an excellent way to develop our thinking skills. Many times I have heard from students their disdain for working in groups based on scheduling, varied levels of commitment to the group or project, and personality conflicts too, of course. True—it’s not always easy, but that is why it is so effective. When we work collaboratively on a project or problem we bring many brains to bear on a subject. These different brains will naturally develop varied ways of solving or explaining problems and examining information. To the observant individual we see that this places us in a constant state of back and forth critical/creative thinking modes. For example, in group work we are simultaneously analyzing information and generating solutions on our own, while challenging other’s analyses/ideas and responding to challenges to our own analyses/ideas. This is part of why students tend to avoid group work—it challenges us as thinkers and forces us to analyze others while defending ourselves, which is not something we are used to or comfortable with as most of our educational experiences involve solo work. Your professors know this—that’s why we assign it—to help you grow as students, learners, and thinkers! —Dr. Andrew Robert Baker, Foundations of Academic Success: Words of Wisdom
Problem-Solving Action Checklist
Problem-solving can be an efficient and rewarding process, especially if you are organized and mindful of critical steps and strategies. Remember to assume the attributes of a good critical thinker: if you are curious, reflective, knowledge-seeking, open to change, probing, organized, and ethical, your challenge or problem will be less of a hurdle, and you’ll be in a good position to find intelligent solutions. The steps outlined in this checklist will help you adhere to these qualities in your approach to any problem:
| STRATEGIES | ACTION CHECKLIST | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Define the problem | |
| 2 | Identify available solutions | |
| 3 | Select your solution |
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Critical thinking is logical and reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do.
- Critical thinking involves questioning and evaluating information.
- Evaluating information is a complex, but essential, process. You can use the CRAAP test to help determine if sources and information are reliable.
- Creative thinking is both a natural aspect of childhood and a re-learnable skill as an adult.
- Creative thinking is as essential a skill as critical thinking and integrating them can contribute to innovative and rewarding experiences in life.
- Critical and creative thinking both contribute to our ability to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
- You can take specific actions to develop and strengthen your critical and creative thinking skills.
ACTIVITY 1: REFLECT ON CRITICAL THINKING
- Apply critical thinking strategies to your life
Directions:
- Think about someone you consider to be a critical thinker (friend, professor, historical figure, etc). What qualities does he/she have?
- Review some of the critical thinking strategies discussed on this page. Pick one strategy that makes sense to you. How can you apply this critical thinking technique to your academic work?
- Habits of mind are attitudes and beliefs that influence how you approach the world (i.e., inquiring attitude, open mind, respect for truth, etc). What is one habit of mind you would like to actively develop over the next year? How will you develop a daily practice to cultivate this habit?
- Write your responses in journal form, and submit according to your instructor’s guidelines.
ACTIVITY 2: ASSESS YOUR CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
- Access Psychology Today ’s Creative Problem-Solving Test at the Psychology Today Web site.
- Read the introductory text, which explains how creativity is linked to fundamental qualities of thinking, such as flexibility and tolerance of ambiguity.
- Then advance to the questions by clicking on the “Take The Test” button. The test has 20 questions and will take roughly 10 minutes.
- After finishing the test, you will receive a Snapshot Report with an introduction, a graph, and a personalized interpretation for one of your test scores.
Complete any further steps by following your instructor’s directions.
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- Critical and Creative Thinking Authored by : Laura Lucas, Tobin Quereau, and Heather Syrett. Provided by : Austin Community College. License : CC BY-NC-SA-4.0
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- Creative Thinking Skills in College Success. Authored by : Linda Bruce. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.lumenlearning.com/collegesuccess-lumen/chapter/creative-thinking-skills/ . License : CC BY 4.0
- Critical Thinking in Educational Psychology. Authored by : Kelvin Seifert and Rosemary Sutton. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/educationalpsychology/chapter/critical-thinking/ . License : CC BY 4.0
- Critical Thinking Skills in College Success. Authored by : Linda Bruce. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.lumenlearning.com/collegesuccess-lumen/chapter/critical-thinking-skills/ . License : CC BY 4.0
- Critical Thinking 101: Spectrum of Authority. Provided by: UCB Learn. Located at : https://youtu.be/9G5xooMN2_c . License : CC BY 4.0
- Evaluate: Assessing Your Research Process and Findings in Information Literacy. Authored by : Bernnard, Bobish, Hecker, Holden, Hosier, Jacobsen, Loney, Bullis. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.lumenlearning.com/informationliteracy/chapter/evaluate-assessing-your-research-process-and-findings/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA-4.0
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Where Good Ideas Come From. Authored by : Steven Johnson. Provided by: Riverhead Books. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NugRZGDbPFU . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
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Version History
Creative Thinking vs. Critical Thinking
What's the difference.
Creative thinking and critical thinking are two distinct but equally important cognitive processes. Creative thinking involves generating new ideas, concepts, and solutions by exploring various possibilities and thinking outside the box. It encourages imagination, originality, and innovation. On the other hand, critical thinking involves analyzing, evaluating, and questioning ideas, arguments, and information to make informed decisions and judgments. It emphasizes logical reasoning, evidence-based thinking, and the ability to identify biases and fallacies. While creative thinking focuses on generating ideas, critical thinking focuses on evaluating and refining those ideas. Both thinking processes are essential for problem-solving, decision-making, and personal growth.
| Attribute | Creative Thinking | Critical Thinking |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Generating new and original ideas, solutions, or perspectives. | Analyzing, evaluating, and making reasoned judgments based on evidence and logical reasoning. |
| Approach | Exploratory, imaginative, and open-minded. | Systematic, logical, and objective. |
| Focus | Emphasizes novelty, uniqueness, and innovation. | Emphasizes accuracy, validity, and reliability. |
| Process | Brainstorming, free association, lateral thinking. | Analysis, evaluation, inference, deduction. |
| Goal | Generating creative ideas, solutions, or possibilities. | Developing informed and well-reasoned judgments or decisions. |
| Application | Art, design, innovation, problem-solving. | Science, research, decision-making, problem-solving. |
Further Detail
Introduction.
Creative thinking and critical thinking are two distinct cognitive processes that play crucial roles in problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of creative thinking and critical thinking, highlighting their differences and showcasing how they complement each other in various contexts.
Creative Thinking
Creative thinking is a cognitive process that involves generating new ideas, concepts, or solutions by exploring possibilities, making connections, and thinking outside the box. It is characterized by originality, flexibility, and fluency of thought. Creative thinkers often challenge conventional wisdom, embrace ambiguity, and are open to taking risks. They are adept at finding alternative perspectives and exploring multiple solutions to problems.
One of the key attributes of creative thinking is the ability to think divergently. This means being able to generate a wide range of ideas or possibilities, often through brainstorming or free association. Creative thinkers are not limited by constraints and are willing to explore unconventional or unorthodox approaches to problem-solving.
Another important aspect of creative thinking is the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts or ideas. This skill, known as associative thinking, allows creative thinkers to draw upon a diverse range of knowledge and experiences to generate innovative solutions. They can see patterns, analogies, and relationships that others may overlook.
Furthermore, creative thinking involves the willingness to take risks and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Creative thinkers understand that not all ideas will be successful, but they are not deterred by setbacks. They view failures as stepping stones towards finding the right solution and are persistent in their pursuit of innovative ideas.
In summary, creative thinking is characterized by divergent thinking, associative thinking, risk-taking, and persistence. It encourages the exploration of new ideas and unconventional approaches to problem-solving.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking, on the other hand, is a cognitive process that involves analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information to form reasoned judgments or decisions. It is characterized by logical, systematic, and objective thinking. Critical thinkers are skilled at identifying biases, assumptions, and fallacies in arguments, and they strive to make well-informed and rational decisions based on evidence.
One of the key attributes of critical thinking is the ability to think analytically. Critical thinkers break down complex problems or situations into smaller components, examine the relationships between them, and evaluate the evidence or information available. They are adept at identifying logical inconsistencies or flaws in reasoning, which helps them make sound judgments.
Another important aspect of critical thinking is the ability to evaluate information objectively. Critical thinkers are skeptical and question the validity and reliability of sources. They seek evidence, consider alternative viewpoints, and weigh the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments before forming their own opinions. This attribute is particularly valuable in today's information-rich society, where misinformation and biased narratives are prevalent.
Furthermore, critical thinking involves the ability to think systematically. Critical thinkers follow a logical and structured approach to problem-solving, ensuring that all relevant factors are considered. They are skilled at identifying assumptions, clarifying concepts, and drawing logical conclusions based on the available evidence. This systematic approach helps minimize errors and biases in decision-making.
In summary, critical thinking is characterized by analytical thinking, objective evaluation, skepticism, and systematic reasoning. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making and helps individuals navigate complex and information-rich environments.
Complementary Attributes
While creative thinking and critical thinking have distinct attributes, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often complement each other and can be seen as two sides of the same coin.
Creative thinking can benefit from critical thinking by providing a framework for evaluating and refining ideas. Critical thinking helps creative thinkers assess the feasibility, viability, and desirability of their innovative ideas. It allows them to identify potential flaws, consider alternative perspectives, and make informed decisions about which ideas to pursue further.
On the other hand, critical thinking can benefit from creative thinking by expanding the range of possibilities and solutions. Creative thinking encourages critical thinkers to explore unconventional approaches, challenge assumptions, and consider alternative viewpoints. It helps them break free from rigid thinking patterns and discover innovative solutions to complex problems.
Moreover, both creative thinking and critical thinking require open-mindedness and a willingness to embrace ambiguity. They both involve a certain level of discomfort and uncertainty, as individuals venture into uncharted territories of thought. By combining creative and critical thinking, individuals can develop a well-rounded cognitive toolkit that enables them to tackle a wide range of challenges.
Creative thinking and critical thinking are two distinct cognitive processes that bring unique attributes to problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation. Creative thinking emphasizes divergent thinking, associative thinking, risk-taking, and persistence, while critical thinking emphasizes analytical thinking, objective evaluation, skepticism, and systematic reasoning.
While they have their differences, creative thinking and critical thinking are not mutually exclusive. They complement each other and can be seen as two sides of the same coin. Creative thinking benefits from critical thinking by providing a framework for evaluation and refinement, while critical thinking benefits from creative thinking by expanding the range of possibilities and solutions.
By cultivating both creative and critical thinking skills, individuals can enhance their ability to navigate complex problems, make well-informed decisions, and drive innovation in various domains. These cognitive processes are not only valuable in academic and professional settings but also in everyday life, where the ability to think creatively and critically can lead to personal growth and success.
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Why Critical Thinking and Creativity are the Dynamic Duo You Need in Today's World
Unlock your inner genius, and discover the role of creativity in developing critical thinking skills and why they work together as a dynamic duo.
In an age where information overload is the new normal, developing critical thinking and creativity skills has become more important than ever.
From the moment we’re born, our brains are constantly being stimulated and challenged to develop new thought processes and problem-solving skills.
As artists, we know all too well the value of creativity in our artistic endeavors.
However, creativity isn't just a tool for arts and crafts ; it also plays a key role in developing our critical thinking skills.
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, creative and critical thinking is a vital skill to have; it allows us to analyze and problem solve, conceptualize and communicate effectively, and to develop new and innovative ideas.
The two skills of critical thinking and creativity are seemingly unrelated abilities that are actually a match made in heaven, working synergistically to help you navigate the complexities of modern life.
When combined, the two empower you to think more effectively and solve problems faster.
Creativity helps you to open up your mind and to think outside the box, while critical thinking provides structure and guidance so that you can make sense of your ideas.
This dynamic duo helps you to effectively engage with the world around you and make well-informed decisions.
By understanding the relationship between creativity and critical thinking, you can unlock your inner genius and unleash the power of both.
When you put them together, they become a powerful driving force that can help you to succeed in any area of life.
So, let's dive into the fascinating world of critical thinking and creativity, and explore how they can empower you to take on any challenge!
The Power Couple: Critical Thinking and Creativity
Critical thinking is all about objectively analyzing information, while creativity is about generating new ideas and perspectives.
Both skills are essential to making informed decisions.
Critical thinking is the sequential, disciplined process of actively examining, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information, while creativity helps to open your mind and explore new possibilities.
Critical thinking processes help you understand the facts, while creative thinking skills allow you to come up with solutions to a problem.
It's vital to employ critical evaluation in order to distinguish between valid and invalid conclusions, while creative problem-solving skills are essential for finding innovative, new solutions to everyday life and work challenges.
Combined, they help you think more effectively and make decisions based on sound logic and reasoning, allowing you to work smarter, not harder.
The two words may seem like opposites, but in reality they work together to create a dynamic duo that can help you reach new heights.
When it comes down to it, critical thinking without creativity is just memorization, while creativity without critical thinking might as well just be daydreaming.
When you combine the two, something magical happens; you become empowered to assess situations and develop creative solutions that will give you an advantage in any field.
By understanding the process behind both critical thinking and creativity, you can harness their power to become a stronger, more well-rounded problem solver.
When combined, the skills of critical and creative thinking allow you to:
- Make better decisions:
In today's fast-paced world, the ability to quickly evaluate information and make informed choices is essential.
Critical thinking helps you separate fact from fiction, while creativity allows you to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
Together, they help you make decisions with confidence and clarity .
- Solve problems more effectively:
Complex problems require creative thinking and the ability to analyze multiple perspectives.
By honing both your critical thinking and creativity, you'll be better equipped to tackle even the most daunting challenges.
- Stand out in the workplace:
Employers value employees who can think critically and creatively, as they bring fresh ideas and unique problem-solving abilities to the table.
Boosting these skills can make you a valuable asset to any team.
So, don't be afraid to unleash your creative side and get the most out of critical thinking abilities.
How Creativity Fuels Critical Thinking
Creativity is at the heart of critical thinking.
It helps you to open up your mind, think outside the box, and consider different perspectives; critical thinking and creative thinking go hand in hand.
Creativity helps to break down barriers and allows you to consider ideas that may not be immediately obvious; new world ideas, new world perspectives, and new ways of doing things can all be unlocked through convergent thinking and divergent thinking.
It can also help you to make better connections between ideas , and to recognize patterns and trends.
Creative thinking can also help you to come up with innovative solutions to problems and generate new inspiration , which are essential for effective critical thinking.
When used together, creativity and critical thinking complement each other perfectly; creativity helps you to think flexibly and explore different angles, while critical thinking provides the structure and guidance to make sense of your ideas.
- Breaking free from conventional thinking
Creativity pushes you to explore new ideas and challenge conventional wisdom.
This open-mindedness is essential for critical thinking, as it helps you consider multiple perspectives and evaluate each one objectively.
This is why creativity and critical thinking are such a powerful duo; they allow you to break out of your comfort zone, see things from a different angle, and challenge the status quo.
Creativity can also help you to become more efficient at solving problems, as it gives your brain a break from analytical thinking, allowing it to come up with new ideas and solutions.
- Connecting the dots
Creative thinkers excel at making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts.
This skill is invaluable for critical thinking, as it allows you to identify patterns, relationships, and underlying structures in complex information.
This creative problem solving can help you make sense of complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
By using creativity to your advantage, you can become a more creative and effective critical thinker.
The key is to use your imagination and explore different possibilities; this will open up new avenues of thought and allow you to take your critical thinking skills to the next level.
Fostering Imagination
When we engage in creative practices, we challenge ourselves to think outside of the box.
As we push ourselves to consider new perspectives, ideas, and solutions, it helps to cultivate an imaginative mindset, which is the foundation of critical thinking.
Imagination allows us to hypothesize, visualize and conceptualize, which in turn enriches our problem-solving arsenal.
That's why it is so important to step outside of your artistic comfort zone and explore new art supplies , subjects, and techniques.
By doing so, you can foster your imagination and become a more effective critical thinker.
Encouraging Exploration
Creativity and critical thinking go hand in hand, and we can use our artistic skills to explore and interpret the world around us.
Whether we're sketching , painting , or shooting photography , we are constantly looking for patterns, contrasts, and connections.
Engaging in creative practices opens doors to new ideas and perspectives and helps us question things that we take for granted.
It encourages us to seek out complexity, probe underlying assumptions, and discover new paths to knowledge.
By exploring and questioning the world around us, we can become better critical thinkers.
Developing Problem-solving Skills
When we encounter creative problems, we develop critical thinking skills to overcome them effectively.
As we face challenges, we learn how to determine the root cause of a problem, break it down into smaller components, and then develop and test possible solutions.
This problem-solving process builds our analytical skills, logical reasoning, and decision-making skills.
Whether it's working out how best to arrange a still life composition, or conceptualizing a design solution, the problem-solving process acquires high relevance and transferability in our personal and professional lives.
Enhancing Communication Skills
As artists, we communicate with the world through our art , and creativity plays a vital role in how we do this.
But it's not only artistic communication that benefits from our creative thinking, it's our general communication skills as well.
As we create and interpret art , we learn to express ourselves more effectively.
We learn to choose our words carefully, use engaging visuals, and find new ways to share our thoughts and ideas.
Engaging in creative practices also develops our ability to listen and interpret, key skills in our personal and professional lives.
Empowering Innovation
Critical thinking and creativity allow us to view problems, challenges and even opportunities through new and innovative perspectives.
This leads us to develop solutions that are more effective, efficient, and novel compared to conventional, less creative solutions.
Innovators often make use of computational thinking, design thinking, systems thinking, and critical thinking to develop new products, services, systems, processes, and solutions to social, scientific, and technological challenges.
Creativity empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to bring forth new ideas and solve wicked problems.
Kickstarting Your Creative Thinking
Critical thinking and creativity are the dynamic duo you need in today's world; they work together to empower you to make better decisions, solve problems more effectively, stand out in the workplace, and innovate in any area of life.
Creative thinking allows you to open up your mind and explore new ideas, while critical thinking gives you the structure and guidance to make sense of them.
Ready to start using creativity and critical thinking together?
Here are some proven tips and techniques to help you tap into your creative potential!
- Embrace curiosity:
Ask questions, seek out new experiences, and never stop learning.
A curious mindset fuels creativity and critical thinking alike.
- Challenge assumptions:
Creativity flourishes when you're willing to break out of your comfort zone and challenge the status quo.
So, question the status quo and look for alternative explanations.
This will help you think more creatively and develop a healthy skepticism that's vital for critical thinking.
- Take breaks:
Give yourself time to relax and let your mind wander.
Research shows that taking breaks can actually boost creativity and help you make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.
This will help you to see things from a different perspective and come up with innovative solutions.
Unleashing the Power of Creativity to Boost Critical Thinking
Creativity and critical thinking are a dynamic duo that can help you succeed in any area of life.
Creativity is not just for artists; it's a fundamental aspect of critical thinking, and it plays a vital role in our personal and professional lives.
By cultivating creativity, we can enhance our imagination and exploration, problem-solving, communication, and innovation skills, which are essential to remain relevant and successful in the workplace of the future.
Now that you're armed with the knowledge of how critical thinking and creativity are intertwined, and equipped with some handy techniques to jump start your creative juices, it's time to put them into practice.
Embrace your inner creative genius and watch as your critical thinking skills soar to new heights.
So, what are you waiting for?
Keep pushing your artistic limits, explore new art mediums , challenge your perspective, and always remember, creativity is the key to unlock your critical thinking potential!
With the right amount of creative thinking and critical analysis, you can open up a world of possibilities!
Start flexing your creative muscles and become the critical thinker you were always meant to be!
Ready to embrace creative and critical thinking and looking to learn more? Check out James Taylor's video!
Want even more content about creativity and art?
Be sure to check out all of our creative chronicles !
Interested in tapping into your creative potential?
Check out some of our other articles:
- Neurodiversity
- Fun art challenges
- Creating amazing art
- Peace of mind through art
- Crafts for rainy days
- Crafting tips
- Embracing the creative process
Living a Life Full of Creative Years: Embracing a Life Bursting with Creativity!
Curious People Change the World: Harnessing the Power of Creativity and Curiosity
The Art of Patience and Prudence: How to Take Your Creativity to the Next Level
Creative Joy: The Power of a Grateful Heart and Embracing Life's Many Blessings
Rejuvenate Your Creativity: Revitalizing Your Life for Greater Inspiration!
Critical and Creative Thinking: A Brief Guide for Teachers
ISBN: 978-1-118-95537-6
September 2015
Wiley-Blackwell
Digital Evaluation Copy
Robert DiYanni
- Explains why critical and creative thinking complement each other with clear examples
- Provides a practical toolkit of cognitive techniques for generating and evaluating ideas using both creative and critical thinking
- Enriches the discussion of creative and critical intersections with brief “inter-chapters” based on the thinking habits of Leonardo da Vinci
- Offers an overview of current trends in critical and creative thinking, with applications across a spectrum of disciplines
Finding Balance: Critical Thinking vs. Creative Thinking
Annie Walls
Finding balance between critical thinking and creative thinking is essential in today's fast-paced and complex world. While critical thinking helps us analyze and evaluate information to make informed decisions, creative thinking allows us to generate innovative ideas and solutions. In this article, we will explore the definitions, importance, and development of critical thinking, as well as the benefits and nurturing of creative thinking. We will also examine the relationship between these two types of thinking and how they enhance each other. Finally, we will discuss how critical and creative thinking can be applied in everyday life, specifically in problem-solving, decision-making, and fostering innovation and adaptability.
Key Takeaways
- Critical thinking and creative thinking are both valuable skills that complement each other.
- Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions.
- Creative thinking allows us to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
- Developing critical thinking skills involves questioning assumptions and biases.
- Nurturing creativity involves embracing curiosity and taking risks.
Understanding Critical Thinking
The Definition of Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and evaluate information objectively, without letting personal biases or emotions influence the process. It involves actively questioning and examining ideas, arguments, and evidence to determine their validity and reliability. Analyzing and evaluating are key keywords in critical thinking.
To better understand critical thinking, it can be helpful to compare it to other types of thinking. For example, critical thinking is different from creative thinking , which involves generating new ideas and solutions. While creative thinking is important, critical thinking provides a necessary balance by ensuring that these ideas are thoroughly examined and tested for their soundness.
In practical terms, critical thinking can be applied in various situations. It can be used to assess the credibility of sources, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of arguments, and make informed decisions based on evidence. By developing critical thinking skills, individuals can become more effective problem solvers and decision makers.
The Importance of Critical Thinking
Critical thinking skills are universal and crucial for the economy. They are essential for problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation. According to the University of the People in California, having critical thinking skills is important because they are universal, meaning they can be applied to any situation or field. These skills are crucial for the economy as they contribute to the development of innovative solutions and help organizations adapt to changing circumstances. Critical thinking skills enable individuals to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. They are highly valued by employers as they enhance problem-solving abilities and promote creativity and innovation.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
Developing critical thinking skills is essential for navigating complex problems and making informed decisions. It involves the ability to analyze information objectively, evaluate arguments and evidence, and think logically and systematically. By honing these skills , individuals can become more effective problem solvers and decision makers in both personal and professional settings.
To develop critical thinking skills, individuals can engage in various activities and practices. Some strategies include:
- Questioning assumptions : Challenging preconceived notions and beliefs can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of a topic and consider alternative perspectives.
- Seeking diverse viewpoints : Actively seeking out different opinions and perspectives can broaden one's understanding and challenge biases.
- Evaluating evidence : Learning to critically evaluate evidence and sources can help individuals distinguish between reliable information and misinformation.
In addition, it can be helpful to engage in reflective thinking and problem-solving exercises to enhance critical thinking skills. By regularly practicing these strategies, individuals can develop a more analytical and discerning mindset, enabling them to approach challenges with clarity and confidence.
Exploring Creative Thinking
Defining Creative Thinking
Creative thinking is the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas and solutions. It involves breaking free from conventional thinking patterns and exploring new possibilities. Creativity is a key driver of innovation and is essential for problem-solving and adapting to change.
To better understand creative thinking, let's take a look at a comparison table:
| Critical Thinking | Creative Thinking |
|---|---|
| Analytical | Imaginative |
| Logical | Intuitive |
| Objective | Subjective |
As seen in the table, creative thinking involves a more imaginative and intuitive approach, while critical thinking focuses on analysis and objectivity. Both types of thinking are valuable and can complement each other in various situations.
Here are some key points to remember about creative thinking:
- It encourages exploration and experimentation.
- It embraces ambiguity and uncertainty.
- It values originality and uniqueness.
In the words of a famous creative thinker:
"Creativity is intelligence having fun."
The Benefits of Creative Thinking
Creative thinking offers numerous benefits that can enhance personal and professional growth. By embracing creativity, individuals can unlock their innovative potential and generate new ideas to drive sales and identify new opportunities. Creative thinking also fosters a more innovative and creative culture at work, leading to increased productivity and success.
To develop creative thinking skills, individuals can follow a five-step process that involves generating and developing innovative ideas. Techniques such as brainstorming and mind mapping can be used to stimulate creativity and explore different perspectives. Additionally, evaluating new ideas using creative thinking skills can help individuals make informed decisions and identify the most promising opportunities.
In today's rapidly changing world, creativity is becoming an essential job skill. According to the World Economic Forum, creativity is projected to be the third most important skill required by 2020. However, only 39% of people in the workforce consider themselves to be creative. Therefore, it is crucial to nurture and cultivate creativity in individuals and teams.
As keynote speaker James Taylor M.B.A. F.R.S.A. emphasizes, unlocking the creative potential in people and teams is vital for success. With his extensive experience in managing high-profile rock stars and his expertise in creativity, Taylor is a sought-after speaker who inspires individuals and organizations to embrace creativity and unleash their innovative capabilities.
Nurturing Creativity
Nurturing creativity is essential for fostering innovation and originality. It involves creating an environment that encourages curiosity, exploration, and experimentation. By providing opportunities for individuals to think outside the box and explore new ideas, creativity can flourish. Encouraging collaboration and diverse perspectives can also spark creativity by exposing individuals to different ways of thinking and problem-solving.
To nurture creativity, it is important to provide time and space for individuals to engage in activities that inspire them. This could include artistic pursuits , such as painting or writing, or exploring nature and the outdoors. Unstructured play and free thinking can also stimulate creativity by allowing the mind to wander and make unexpected connections.
Additionally, supportive feedback and recognition of creative efforts can motivate individuals to continue exploring their creative potential. By celebrating and valuing creativity, individuals are more likely to feel empowered to take risks and think outside the box.
In summary, nurturing creativity involves creating an environment that fosters curiosity, provides opportunities for exploration, and celebrates diverse perspectives. By doing so, individuals can unlock their creative potential and contribute to innovative solutions and ideas.
The Relationship Between Critical and Creative Thinking
Complementary or Contradictory?
The relationship between critical thinking and creative thinking is often seen as complementary rather than contradictory. While critical thinking focuses on analyzing and evaluating information to make logical and rational decisions, creative thinking emphasizes generating new ideas and solutions. These two thinking styles can work together to enhance problem-solving and decision-making processes.
One way to understand the relationship between critical and creative thinking is to consider them as two sides of the same coin. Critical thinking provides the framework and structure for evaluating and assessing ideas, while creative thinking brings innovation and originality to the table. By combining critical and creative thinking, individuals can approach challenges from multiple perspectives and come up with unique and effective solutions.
In practical terms, applying critical and creative thinking in everyday life can lead to improved problem-solving skills, better decision-making, and increased innovation and adaptability. Whether it's analyzing data to identify patterns and trends, brainstorming ideas for a new project, or finding creative solutions to complex problems, the integration of critical and creative thinking can lead to more successful outcomes.
It's important to note that critical and creative thinking are not mutually exclusive. They can coexist and complement each other, allowing individuals to leverage both analytical and imaginative skills to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
How Critical Thinking Enhances Creative Thinking
Critical thinking plays a crucial role in enhancing creative thinking. By critically analyzing and evaluating ideas, critical thinkers are able to identify strengths and weaknesses , potential obstacles, and alternative perspectives. This process of critical examination allows for a deeper understanding of the problem or situation at hand, which in turn fuels the creative thinking process.
Critical thinking also helps to refine and shape creative ideas. By questioning assumptions, challenging existing beliefs, and seeking evidence and logical reasoning, critical thinkers can refine and improve their creative ideas. This critical evaluation ensures that creative ideas are well-founded and have a solid foundation.
Furthermore, critical thinking encourages open-mindedness and flexibility, which are essential qualities for creative thinking. Critical thinkers are willing to consider different viewpoints, explore unconventional approaches, and embrace ambiguity. This openness to new ideas and perspectives allows for the generation of innovative and original solutions.
In summary, critical thinking enhances creative thinking by providing a framework for analysis and evaluation, refining creative ideas, and fostering open-mindedness and flexibility.
How Creative Thinking Enhances Critical Thinking
Creative thinking enhances critical thinking by encouraging individuals to think outside the box and consider alternative perspectives. When engaging in creative thinking, individuals are encouraged to explore unconventional ideas and solutions, which can challenge their existing beliefs and assumptions. This process of questioning and challenging established norms can help develop a more critical mindset.
Additionally, creative thinking promotes flexibility and adaptability, which are essential components of critical thinking. By embracing creativity, individuals become more open to new possibilities and are better equipped to analyze and evaluate different options. This ability to think creatively and critically allows individuals to approach problems and challenges from multiple angles, leading to more innovative and effective solutions.
In summary, creative thinking enhances critical thinking by fostering a mindset of curiosity, exploration, and flexibility. It encourages individuals to question assumptions, consider alternative perspectives, and approach problems from different angles. By integrating creative thinking into the critical thinking process, individuals can develop a more well-rounded and comprehensive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Applying Critical and Creative Thinking in Everyday Life
Problem-solving with critical and creative thinking.
Problem-solving is a crucial skill that can be enhanced by both critical and creative thinking. By combining these two types of thinking, individuals can approach problems from different angles and come up with innovative solutions. Creativity allows for thinking outside the box and generating unique ideas, while critical thinking helps to analyze and evaluate these ideas to determine their feasibility and effectiveness.
To effectively solve problems using critical and creative thinking, it can be helpful to follow a structured approach. One possible method is the IDEAL problem-solving model , which stands for Identify the problem, Define the problem, Explore possible solutions, Act on the best solution, and Look back and learn. This model provides a systematic framework for problem-solving and ensures that all aspects of the problem are considered.
In addition to structured approaches, it is important to foster a collaborative and open-minded environment when engaging in problem-solving. This allows for the exchange of ideas and perspectives, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the problem and potential solutions. It is also beneficial to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, as it encourages experimentation and the exploration of alternative solutions.
In summary, problem-solving with critical and creative thinking involves combining innovative ideas with analytical evaluation. By following a structured approach and fostering a collaborative environment, individuals can effectively solve problems and generate innovative solutions.
Decision-Making with Critical and Creative Thinking
When it comes to decision-making, both critical and creative thinking play crucial roles. Analyzing the available information and evaluating different options are key components of critical thinking in decision-making. On the other hand, creative thinking allows for brainstorming innovative solutions and thinking outside the box .
To effectively apply critical and creative thinking in decision-making, consider the following:
- Identify the problem: Clearly define the issue at hand and understand the desired outcome.
- Gather information: Collect relevant data and consider different perspectives.
- Generate options: Use both critical and creative thinking to come up with a range of possible solutions.
- Evaluate alternatives: Assess the pros and cons of each option based on logical reasoning and innovative ideas.
- Make a decision: Choose the best course of action based on a balanced consideration of critical and creative thinking.
Remember, decision-making is a dynamic process that benefits from the integration of critical and creative thinking approaches.
Innovation and Adaptability
Innovation and adaptability are crucial skills in today's rapidly changing world. Being able to think critically and creatively allows individuals to navigate challenges, find innovative solutions, and adapt to new situations. Here are some ways in which critical and creative thinking can be applied in everyday life:
Applying Critical and Creative Thinking in Everyday Life is essential for personal and professional growth. It allows us to approach problems and challenges with a fresh perspective, finding innovative solutions and making informed decisions. Whether it's brainstorming new ideas, analyzing complex situations, or exploring different possibilities, critical and creative thinking empowers us to think outside the box and unlock our full potential. If you're looking to enhance your critical and creative thinking skills, visit Keynote Speaker James Taylor's website. James Taylor is an inspiring keynote speaker and internationally recognized leader in business creativity and innovation. With his expertise and insights, he can help you unleash your creative potential and achieve success in both your personal and professional life.
In conclusion, finding a balance between critical thinking and creative thinking is essential for success in today's world. While critical thinking allows us to analyze and evaluate information, creative thinking enables us to generate innovative ideas and solutions. Flexibility is the key to achieving this balance, as it allows us to adapt our thinking approach depending on the situation. By combining the strengths of both critical and creative thinking, we can make well-informed decisions while also fostering innovation and growth. So, let us embrace both critical and creative thinking and harness their power to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between critical thinking and creative thinking.
Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information to make reasoned judgments, while creative thinking involves generating new ideas and possibilities.
Can critical thinking and creative thinking be used together?
Yes, critical thinking and creative thinking are complementary and can be used together to enhance problem-solving and decision-making.
How can critical thinking be developed?
Critical thinking can be developed through practice and exposure to diverse perspectives, as well as by actively questioning assumptions and biases.
What are the benefits of creative thinking?
Creative thinking can lead to innovative solutions, increased adaptability, and enhanced problem-solving skills.
How can creativity be nurtured?
Creativity can be nurtured by fostering a supportive and open-minded environment, encouraging curiosity and exploration, and providing opportunities for brainstorming and experimentation.
How do critical thinking and creative thinking enhance each other?
Critical thinking enhances creative thinking by providing a rational framework for evaluating ideas and identifying potential flaws. Creative thinking enhances critical thinking by generating alternative perspectives and challenging assumptions.
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Creativity and critical thinking sit atop most lists of skills crucial for success in the 21st century. They represent two of the “Four Cs” in P21 ’s learning framework (the other two being communication and collaboration), and they rank second and third on the World Economic Forum ’s top ten list of skills workers will need most in the year 2020 (complex problem solving ranks first).
The various lists of 21st-century skills grant creativity and critical thinking such prominence in part because they are human abilities robots and AI are unlikely to usurp anytime soon. The picture of the near future that emerges from these compilations of skills is one in which people must compete against their own inventions by exploiting the most human of their human qualities: empathy, a willingness to work together, adaptability, innovation. As the 21st century unfolds, creativity and critical thinking appear as uniquely human attributes essential for staving off our own obsolescence.
Like many things human, however, creativity and critical thinking are not easily or consistently defined. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation’s list of “ Deeper Learning Competencies ,” for example, identifies creativity not as its own competency but as a tool for thinking critically. Bloom’s Taxonomy treats the two as separate educational goals, ranking creativity above critical thinking in the progression of intellectual abilities. Efforts to pin down these skills are so quickly muddled, one is tempted to fall back on the old Justice Stewart remark regarding obscenity: “I know it when I see it.” Unfortunately, that yardstick isn’t much help to teachers or students.
Definitions of creativity tend toward the broad and vague. One of the leading researchers in the area, Robert Sternberg, characterizes creativity as “a decision to buy low and sell high in the world of ideas.” While this is itself a creative approach to the problem of defining creativity, it is not a solution easily translated into a rubric.
Definitions of critical thinking don’t fare much better. According to one group of researchers , “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” Again, a curiously self-demonstrating definition, but not one ready-made for the classroom.
Generally speaking, creativity is associated with generating ideas, while critical thinking is associated with judging them. In practice, however, the two are not so easy to separate. As parents and teachers know well, creativity without critical judgment tends toward the fanciful, the impractical, the ridiculous. “Creative thinking” becomes a nice way of saying that someone’s ideas have run amok.
At the same time, critical thinking gets short shrift when reduced to making a judgment, since, at its best, critical thinking is also a way of making a contribution. It is fundamentally creative in the sense that its aim is to produce something new: an insight, an argument, a new synthesis of ideas or information, a new level of understanding.
Our grasp of creativity and critical thinking is improved when we see them in symbiotic relationship with one another. Creativity benefits from our recognizing the role of critical thinking in ensuring the value of novel ideas. In turn, critical thinking comes into clearer focus when we recognize it as a creative act that enriches understanding by giving rise to something that wasn’t there before.
What does this symbiotic relationship look like in the classroom? Here are a few educational contexts in which creativity is disciplined by critical thinking and critical thinking is expanded through recognition of its creative function:
- Writing. Creative writing only works when the writer’s critical judgment is brought to bear on the product of their imagination. However richly imagined, a story’s success depends on the skill with which its author corrals and controls their ideas, crafting them into something coherent and cohesive. Storycraft is accomplished by writers who discipline their own creative work by thinking critically about it.Successful academic writing — argumentative, expository — requires not just critical analysis but also creative invention. Academic writers enter into conversation with their readers, their instructors, fellow students, other writers and scholars, anyone affected by or invested in their topic. As in any conversation, a successful participant doesn’t simply repeat back what others have already said, but builds upon it, asking critical questions, fine-tuning points, proposing solutions — in short, creating and contributing something original that extends and enriches the conversation.
- History. History classes lend themselves readily to creative exercises like imagining the experiences of people in the past, or envisioning what the present might look like if this or that historical event had played out differently. These exercises succeed only when imagination is disciplined by critical thinking; conjectures must be plausible, connections must be logical, and the use of evidence must be reasonable.At the same time, critical analysis of historical problems often employs invention and is (or should be) rewarded for its creativity. For example, a student analyzing the US mission to the moon in terms of the theme of the frontier in American mythology is engaged in an intellectual activity that is at least as creative as it is evaluative.
- Math. Creative projects can generate engagement and enthusiasm in students, prompting them to learn things they might otherwise resist. In this example , a middle school math class learned about circuitry on their way to creating a keyboard made of bananas. Projects like this one demonstrate that creativity and critical thinking are reciprocal. A banana keyboard is unquestionably creative, but of little utility except insofar as it teaches something valuable about electronics. Yet, that lesson was made possible only by virtue of the creative impulse the project inspired in students.
The skills today’s students will need for success are, at a most basic level, the skills that humans have always relied on for success — the very things that make us human, including our creativity and our capacity for thinking critically. The fact that our defining qualities so often defy definition, that our distinctive traits are so frustratingly indistinct, is just another gloriously untidy part of us that robots will never understand.
For more, see:
- How Dialogue Teaches Critical Thinking and Empathy
- Creating Change-Agents: The Intersection of Critical Thinking and Student Agency
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Creativity and Critical Thinking
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The twenty-first century has seen a rapid growth of curriculum initiatives that consider the development of cross-curriculum competencies as a core issue, and significant for every discipline area. Both because of such cross-curriculum developments and because of the nature of STEM itself, the integration of the particular core competencies of ‘creativity’ and ‘critical thinking’ across the STEM disciplines has also grown rapidly in educational importance. Creativity and critical thinking in education are best viewed from the perspectives of both learner development and teacher expertise, with the attributes specific to each concept appropriately seen as increasing in sophistication or complexity over time. A broad examination of each of the two concepts and their interrelatedness, and the consequent implications for educational practice concerned with developing them, creates a lens through which to view the application of creativity and critical thinking across the complexity and diversity of the STEM disciplines and their integrated forms.
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Ellerton, P., Kelly, R. (2021). Creativity and Critical Thinking. In: Berry, A., Buntting, C., Corrigan, D., Gunstone, R., Jones, A. (eds) Education in the 21st Century. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85300-6_2
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Is creative thinking related to critical thinking?
Critical thinking VS Creative thinking
Creative thinking and critical thinking are two cognitive processes that are often considered distinct but can also be interconnected and mutually supportive. While they are different in nature, they can complement each other in problem-solving, decision-making, and intellectual exploration. Here's an overview of their relationship:
Different Processes: Creative thinking involves generating ideas, exploring possibilities, and thinking outside the box. It emphasizes imagination, novelty, and originality. On the other hand, critical thinking involves analyzing, evaluating, and reasoning about information or ideas. It emphasizes logical reasoning, evidence-based assessment, and objective analysis.
Interdependence: Creative thinking and critical thinking are interdependent and can enhance each other. Creative thinking generates innovative ideas and solutions, while critical thinking provides the tools to evaluate, refine, and implement those ideas effectively. Critical thinking helps validate the viability and practicality of creative ideas, ensuring they are well-grounded and supported by evidence.
Problem-Solving: Creative thinking can generate a wide range of potential solutions, while critical thinking helps narrow down the options by evaluating their feasibility, examining their strengths and weaknesses, and selecting the most viable course of action. Critical thinking ensures that creative ideas are carefully scrutinized and refined before implementation.
Open-Mindedness: Both creative and critical thinking require open-mindedness and flexibility. Creative thinking involves challenging assumptions, embracing ambiguity, and exploring unconventional perspectives. Critical thinking involves questioning assumptions, challenging biases, and considering alternative viewpoints. Both modes of thinking encourage individuals to approach problems or ideas with an open and receptive mindset.
Iterative Process: Creative and critical thinking often involve an iterative process. Creative thinking generates initial ideas, which are then subject to critical evaluation. Critical thinking helps identify flaws, inconsistencies, or potential improvements in creative ideas, leading to iterative cycles of refinement and further creative ideation.
Contextual Application: The application of creative and critical thinking depends on the context. In certain situations, creative thinking may be more valuable, such as during brainstorming sessions or when seeking innovative solutions to complex problems. Critical thinking becomes crucial during evaluation, decision-making, and implementation phases, where careful analysis and reasoned judgment are required.
Critical thinking can drive creative thinking
Critical thinking plays a significant role in driving creative thinking by providing a structured and analytical approach to evaluating ideas, identifying flaws, and generating innovative solutions. Here's how critical thinking can drive creative thinking:
Analyzing Assumptions: Critical thinking involves questioning assumptions and recognizing biases. By critically examining the assumptions underlying a problem or situation, individuals can challenge conventional thinking and open up new possibilities. This questioning of assumptions can spark creative thinking by encouraging individuals to explore alternative perspectives and challenge established norms.
Identifying Limitations: Critical thinking involves evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of ideas, arguments, or solutions. By critically assessing the limitations of existing approaches or proposed solutions, individuals can identify opportunities for creative improvements or alternatives. Critical thinking helps uncover gaps or shortcomings that can be addressed through innovative thinking.
Problem Deconstruction: Critical thinking breaks down complex problems into their constituent parts, allowing for a more detailed and nuanced understanding. This process helps identify underlying issues, interdependencies, and potential areas for innovation. By critically analyzing the various elements and relationships within a problem, individuals can generate creative insights and alternative approaches to solving it.
Generating Alternative Perspectives: Critical thinking involves considering multiple viewpoints and engaging with different sources of information. This breadth of perspective can inspire creative thinking by exposing individuals to diverse ideas, concepts, and perspectives. Exploring alternative viewpoints stimulates the generation of novel connections, associations, and ideas that can lead to innovative solutions.
Evaluating Evidence and Reasoning: Critical thinking involves rigorous evaluation of evidence and reasoning. By critically examining the validity and reliability of supporting evidence, individuals can identify gaps or weaknesses that may require creative problem-solving. Critical thinking helps ensure that creative ideas are well-founded and supported by sound reasoning, increasing their chances of success.
Balancing Risks and Rewards: Critical thinking weighs the risks and rewards associated with different options or courses of action. By critically assessing the potential benefits, drawbacks, and feasibility of creative ideas, individuals can navigate the uncertainties and complexities involved in pursuing innovative solutions. Critical thinking provides a framework for evaluating the viability and potential impact of creative ideas.
In summary, critical thinking drives creative thinking by providing the analytical tools to question assumptions, identify limitations, deconstruct problems, consider multiple perspectives, evaluate evidence and reasoning, and balance risks and rewards. By engaging in critical thinking, individuals can overcome cognitive biases, break through mental barriers, and cultivate an environment conducive to generating and refining creative ideas.
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Critical and Creative Thinking: A Guide for Teachers reveals ways to develop a capacity to think both critically and creatively in practical and productive ways. Explains why critical and creative thinking complement each other with clear examples Provides a practical toolkit of cognitive techniques for generating and evaluating ideas using both creative and critical thinking Enriches the ...
A valuable guide on creativity and critical thinking to improve reasoning and decision-making skills Critical thinking skills are essential in virtually any field of study or practice where individuals need to communicate ideas, make decisions, and analyze and solve problems. An Introduction to Critical Thinking and Creativity: Think More, Think Better outlines the necessary tools for readers ...
Critical and Creative Thinking: A Guide for Teachers reveals ways to develop a capacity to think both critically and creatively in practical and productive ways. Explains why critical and creative thinking complement each other with clear examples Provides a practical toolkit of cognitive techniques for generating and evaluating ideas using both creative and critical thinking Enriches the ...
Critical thinking and creative thinking are both valuable skills that complement each other. Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions. Creative thinking allows us to generate innovative ideas and solutions. Developing critical thinking skills involves questioning assumptions and biases.
Chapter Objectives To understand the meaning of critical thinking and the importance of the terms systematic, evaluation, formulation, and. ational standards. To understand how critical thinking is related to logic, the truth or falsity of statements, knowledge, and pe. ou will be able to appreciate why critical thinking is better than the ...
Creative thinking is often contrasted with critical thinking. However, the two certainly have their overlaps. Thinking creatively often requires exploring new possibilities, finding unique angles, and using unconventional solutions. Critical thinking is more focused on a logical and rational process of evaluating that which exists already.
Analytical thinking would be identifying the exact ingredients, proportions, and processes involved in the recipe for your favourite cookie. Critical thinking would be considering the criteria for what makes that cookie tasty and then judging the cookie in relation to that criteria. Creative thinking is imagining your own idea of the perfect ...
Creativity and critical thinking sit atop most lists of skills crucial for success in the 21st century. They represent two of the "Four Cs" in P21's learning framework (the other two being communication and collaboration), and they rank second and third on the World Economic Forum's top ten list of skills workers will need most in the year 2020 (complex problem solving ranks first).
Creativity is a process that demands critical analysis and evaluation and shares with critical thinking the need for (to revisit Guilford) fluency, flexibility and originality of thought, the ability and dispositions to reinterpretation and challenge old ideas and to move forward in the face of ambiguity.
Creative thinking. Creativity is the ability to make or do something new that is also useful or valued by others (Gardner, 1993). The "something" can be an object (like an essay or painting), a skill (like playing an instrument), or an action (like using a familiar tool in a new way). To be creative, the object, skill, or action cannot simply ...
There are questions as to whether creative or critical thinking are relevant for problem solving. Therefore, we have analyzed the association between creative and critical thinking to determine whether their components are independent or associated with each other. A sample of 291 undergraduate students from Brazil (41.2%) and Spain (58.8%), with ages ranging from 17 to 56 years (M = 21.35, SD ...
Therefore, we have analyzed the association between creative and critical thinking to determine whether their components are independent or associated with each other. A sample of 291 undergraduate students from Brazil (41.2%) and Spain (58.8%), with ages ranging from 17 to 56 years ( M = 21.35, SD = 5.61), from both genders (84% women ...
Critical and creative thinking complement each other when it comes to problem-solving. The process of alternatively focusing and expanding your thinking can generate more creative, innovative, and effective outcomes. The following words, by Dr. Andrew Robert Baker, are excerpted from his "Thinking Critically and Creatively " essay. Dr.
Critical thinking VS Creative thinking. Creative thinking and critical thinking are two cognitive processes that are often considered distinct but can also be interconnected and mutually supportive. While they are different in nature, they can complement each other in problem-solving, decision-making, and intellectual exploration.
Different Stages: Critical thinking is analytical, like dissecting a problem to understand its parts. Creative thinking is generative, coming up with new ideas and solutions. You might use ...
1 91. Title: Critical Thinking and Creativity: Complimentary or Dissonant Relationship. Authors: Ivanna Shubina, Atik Kulakli, Olha Plakhotnik. DOI: 10.2053/LICE.2018.0049. 1 92. Title: An ...
Mar 29, 2016. Critical thinking and creative thinking are not meant to stand alone. The two types of thinking are meant to be used together not separately. In my experience we like to talk about ...